CROATIA BIKE & BOAT or JUST CRUISE ex DUBROVNIK 2020

STANDARD BOAT OTAK NIKOLA SELF-GUIDED ISLAND CYCLING OPTION

Lord Byron gave Dubrovnik its title “the

pearl of the Adriatic” while George

Bernard Shaw famously said “those who

seek paradise on Earth should come to

Dubrovnik”. We couldn’t have put it better

ourselves.

Dubrovnik is a truly stunning city and as

the first pearl of this tour, it will not

disappoint. Dubrovnik’s Old Town became

a World Heritage site in 1979 and its 1,940

metre long city walls are among the most

beautiful and best preserved middle-age

fortifications in Europe. There are no cars in

the Old City and the cobbled streets are

packed with charming restaurants and

lined with beautiful examples of

Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque

architecture.

From Dubrovnik we island hop starting with

the dazzlingly green Island and National

Park of Mljet. Visit the Benedictine

monastery on St Mary’s Island and

uncover the historical tales of Odysseus’

shipwreck.

From Mljet cruise the clear azure sea to

the island of Hvar and the historical town

of Jelsa. The island of Hvar is famous for its

mild climate, olives, wine and wealth of

historical highlights. Soak up the sights then head to Brac for a dip in the crystal clear

sea before making our way to the magnificent imperial city of Split and free time to

explore. Next morning sail to the Island of Korčula, the reputed birth place of Marco

Polo (1254-1324) - narrow walkways, tiny villages and hamlets, quiet coves and marble

streets.

Join us for this never-to-be-forgotten week cycling, swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling,

cruising and exploring the idyllic bays and picturesque towns and islands of Croatia

ITINERARY Day 1 Saturday / DUBROVNIK The adventure begins in Dubrovnik – one of

the Mediterranean’s most beautiful cities.

Cabins will be ready at 5pm but you can

leave your luggage on board from 2pm.

Dubrovnik is a remarkably well-preserved

example of a late-medieval walled city.

Almost 2kms in length, a walk around the

famous city walls is a must. The Old Town is

pedestrian only and the city’s most iconic

street, the marble paved Stradun, is lined

with architectural treasures. The boat will be

moored the night at Dubrovnik’s port of Gruz which is just 3kms from the Old Town - close

enough for you head out after dinner and experience the nightlife.

Overnight: Dubrovnik

Meals on board: Welcome dinner

DAY 2 Sunday DUBROVNIK After breakfast spend time getting lost in the streets of Dubrovnik. Take an exhilarating cable car

ride to the top of the hill above Dubrovnik for a stunning birds-eye view of city and sea. Visit the

Dubrovnik Art Gallery set in a 1930’s mansion just outside the Old Town. See wine-producing

vines believed to be more than 100 years old. Lunch on board then the afternoon’s free time for

beach or sightseeing.

Overnight: Dubrovnik

Meals on board: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 3 Monday DUBROVNIK – MLJET ISLAND (POMENA) After breakfast we set sail from Dubrovnik to Pomena, a

tiny village and hidden harbour on the west coast of the

idyllic island of Mljet (pronounced 'mil-yet'). Covered in

olive groves, vineyards and dense forest, Mljet is known

as the greenest island of Croatia. Thirty-seven kilometres

(23 mi) long, there are several villages, two salt water

lakes and a Benedictine Monastery on St Mary Island.

Most of the villages on Mljet were founded between the

15th and the 18th century and according to legend, the

nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive for seven years.

It's a heavenly place to explore by foot or bike.

NOTE: Entrance to Mljet National Park Mljet and boat across the lake will be approx. €15 (112kn)

per person to be paid direct.

Overnight: Pomena

Meals on board: Breakfast and lunch. Option of a barbecue dinner on board (€20 per person).

DAY 4 Tuesday MLJET ISLAND – HVAR

ISLAND (JELSA) This morning we head for Hvar; not only

the longest and sunniest Croatian island

but also one of the most beautiful in the

world. Just over 68km long and 10.5km

wide, Hvar’s gently rolling hills are painted

brilliant purple by fields of lavender while

lush vineyards nestle at the foot of the

island’s rugged mountains. Hvar’s location at the centre of the Adriatic sailing routes made it an

important base for trade. During the Middle Ages when the Venetians ruled over most of the

Adriatic, Hvar’s importance grew. After lunch explore Hvar town, set between towering peaks

and the sparkling Adriatic. Take your togs and take the 3km coastal walk where you can stop off

for a swim in one of the many stunning coves along the way.

Overnight: Jelsa

Meals on board: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 5 Wednesday HVAR ISLAND - BRAČ ISLAND - SPLIT

After breakfast sail to Dalmatia’s most famous beach of all – Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn). Stretching

almost vertically into the sea, the glorious Zlatni Rat beach changes shape depending on the

winds, as if it were made of liquid gold. During lunch on board cruise to Split, The old town of

Split, built adjoining the famous palace of the Roman Caesar Diocletian, is a UNESCO World

Heritage site. Free time to discover the fascinating Old Town .

Overnight: Split

Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 6 Thursday SPLIT – KORCULA

After breakfast we sail around the east end of Hvar island towards Pelješac Peninsular and the

most inhabited island in the Adriatic sea, Korčula. Supposedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, the

medieval walled town of Korčula sits on a small headland. Immerse yourself in the town’s

narrow walkways, Venetian architecture, defensive walls, attractive pan tiled rooves and many

monuments. Climb to the top of St Mark’s Cathedral for spectacular views of the town, the

Peljesac peninsular and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. A leisurely stroll west from the old town along

Sveti Nikola takes you to the bay of Medvinjak.

Overnight: Korčula

Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 7 Friday KORCULA – PELJEŠAC PENINSULA - SLANO In the morning we will leave this magnificent island and continue our cruise towards the little

seaside village of Trstenik on the Pelješac peninsula. This area is well known for its excellent red

wines named after the slopes on the southern side of the peninsula - Postup and Dingac. Trestnik

is a beautiful village nestled between the hills of Pelješac and crystal clear sea. Wander the

town, visit Grgish Winery set in a restored former fortress on the steep hills of Trstenik and take a

walk along the seafront promenade dotted with palm trees, stone houses and seafront terraces.

Back on board we sail down Mljet Strait to the Elaphiti Archipelago, a group of 14 idyllic islands

and islets, where we stop for lunch and swimming on long sandy beaches. In the late afternoon

we continue to the deep bay and town of Slano, 37 kilometres north of Dubrovnik. If you enjoy

seafood, try Restaurant Kolarin or for a great pizza with sea views or Peronospora Restaurant.

Overnight: Slano

Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 8 Saturday SLANO – DUBROVNIK

If you have a morning flight you can transfer by road to Dubrovnik Airport which is approx. 52kms

away. The boat then cruises from Slano, sailing below the mighty city walls of Dubrovnik’s Old

Town and to the Port of Gruz where arrangements end at 1pm.

Meals on board: Breakfast

2020 SCHEDULE & COSTS – PER PERSON IN EURO - CRUISE ONLY MS OTAC NIKOLA (Standard) Lower Deck Upper Deck

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 May €818 €930

6, 13 & 20 June; 12, 19 & 26 Sep €875 €985

27 Jun; 4 Jul; 15, 22 & 29 Aug; 5 Sep €908 €1020

11, 18 & 25 Jul; 1 & 8 Aug €935 €1050

Single use cabin +50%

Third person in a cabin -25%

SELF GUIDED ISLAND CYCLING OPTION: ADD €140 per person Your bike (21speed will be delivered to the ship on Mljet Island (24

speed) , Brač Island (21 speed) and Korčula Island (24 speed) (instead

of Korcula Island you can choose to cycle Day 2 in Konavle 22 km

southeast of Dubrovnik). Route notes will be supplied for you to explore

these beautiful islands at leisure.

Price includes bike, helmet, repair kit and recommended routes.

Electric bikes available on islands – not available in Konavle!

TOUR INCLUDES:

• 7 nights cruise as per itinerary

• 7 nights airconditioned cabin with ensuite

• Welcome drink and dinner • Half Board – 7 breakfast and 6 lunches

• Daily cleaning of cabins & towel replacement once per week

•

NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:

• Visitors & Harbour Tax €28 per adult (to be paid onboard)

• Bike rental option

TRANSFERS (Transfers need to be pre-booked)

Dubrovnik Airport to Port of Gruz (per vehicle, one way)

• €35 for 1-3 passengers

• €45 for 4 – 8 passenger

Slano to Dubrovnik Airport (per vehicle, one way)

• €66 for 1-3passengers

• €74 for 4-8passengers

MS OTAC NIKOLA SHIP FEATURES

• 14 fully air-conditioned cabins with ensuites

• Saloon with a bar

• sun deck with deck chairs

• platform on the stern for easy access into the sea

Lower Deck (cabins:8.5sq mtrs) Upper Deck (cabins: 9sq mtrs) Fixed portholes Opening portholes 3 twin cabins (twin beds) 4 double cabins (queen+extra bed 8.5 sqm) 3 double cabins (queen beds) 4 double cabins (queen beds 7.5 sqm)

Your cruise ship MS Otac Nikola was built in 2006 especially for cruises in the Adriatic. The vessel

is 26m long, 7.8m wide, with a cruising speed of 9 -10 knots. It has capacity for up to 32

passengers.

•

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Boarding at 5.00 pm, at Port Gruz, Dubrovnik You can leave bags on the boat from 2.00

pm and explore the city.

• Cash bar available on board. Own drinks cannot be brought on board.

• Guests must abide by the ship’s rules.

• This cruise may not be suitable for persons with restricted mobility.

• Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary as stated. However, due to the

schedule changes beyond the organiser’s control, we reserve the right, without prior

notice, to change the route or alter the shore excursions.

• In some ports the ship may be moored sideways to the other boats. In this case guests

will need to walk across other boats to reach the pier. Guests with walking disabilities

might find crossing other boats challenging. Although every effort will be made to

assist, please be aware that crew availability is severely limited in most circumstances

and therefore a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible

adult.

• OTAC NIKOLA - Cabins are cleaned once a week before embarkation and fresh linen

supplied ... the cost for towel replacement during the week is €3 (23kn); sheet

replacement costs €12.5 (95kn)

• Port fees of €28 per person per week are payable on the boat.

ARRIVAL BY PLANE

Airport Dubrovnik is located approximately 16 km southeast of Dubrovnik.

There is taxi stand in front of the arrival hall or we can organise transfers for you.

ARRIVAL BY BUS

Dubrovnik Bus Terminal is situated in Gruž, in the harbour where the boats are docked. From the

bus terminal the boat is an approximate 10 minute walk or you can take a taxi.

ARRIVAL BY CAR

You can park your car at Port of Gruz while you are on the boat. The cost is approx. €13 per day

with discounts for weekly parking.

Book through:

Don’t just see the world. Experience it. Ph 09 4867473 Fax 09 484 0091

Email: info@walkworld.co.nz